I have been homeless in D.C. for three and a half years. I have experienced homelessness off and on since 1997, when I was leaving Hollywood, California.
I owe D.C. a debt of gratitude, for I have been living at the Community for Creative Non-Violence shelter at 2nd & D St. NW for the whole time that I have been here. I have eaten for free, like a king about town, while volunteering at the William Thomas Memorial Antinuclear Peace Vigil, which has been manned in silent daily protest outside of the White House for more than 30 years.
Now, thanks to the nonprofits Life Deeds and Miriam’s Kitchen, I have a one-bedroom apartment, which they have fully furnished, valued at $2240 a month. Wow! I am human again.
In the early ’90s, I worked for Westernworld VTC for three years. The first was in the vault, under a boss and friend, Mark Horvath, who later started InvisiblePeople.tv, a video blog with thousands of followers that profiles individuals going through homelessness.
We were both homeless in Los Angeles after losing our jobs at VTC. I am so proud of Mark. He is making a real difference like maybe no other, and has been around the world fighting for homeless people.
I discovered Dupont Circle in 2002 while hitchhiking the East Coast. I fell in love and always wanted to live here. And thanks to the District, now I get to in my old age.
How did I do it? With faith and focus on God. As Proverbs 9:10 says, “The fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom.” I have been celibate for nine years or so, and I study the Bible with the Jehovah’s Witnesses. I sing in the choir at Church of the Epiphany and attend two other churches. Faith got me where I am.
I want to tell other people who are in need: never give up hope and keep trying. Know your Bible, respect all peoples, and have a healthy curiosity, while remaining true to our God.
I feel a bit guilty preaching, but I witness long-suffering all over the city and the world. And frankly, I am sick to death of it. But God does not answer the prayers of the disobedient or the two-faced. You can’t actually help those who are not ready to be helped. All we can do is plant the seed, water, fertilize and pray. God bless you and yours.
